HARD TO CATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 236, 5 October 1935, Page 12

HARD TO CATCH.

ILLEGAL FISHERMEN. DESTROYING THE SUPPLY. SUGGESTED PUNISHMENTS. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. When complaints of unchecked illegal fishing on the New Zealand coast were made in the House of Representatives to-day during consideration of the Alariue Department Eestimates, the Alinister of Alariue, Air. Cobbe, said it was difficult to get convictions. Air. A. J. Murdoch (Government, Marsden) said illegal fishing was rife on certain coasts and regulations were openly defied. Not only were the fish taken but feeding grounds were turned up and destroyed. If the depredations of these illegal (ishermen were not put. an end to a time would come when there would be insufficient fish to supply the requirements of the local market. Mr. \V. E. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central) drew attention specifically to the illegal fishing that was constantly in evidence in the Hauraki Gulf. Air. W. P. Endean (Government, Parnell) said the fines imposed by the courts were no deterrent and he suggested confiscation of boats and gear subject to the payment of a redemption fee.

The Minister said the Alarine Department frequently investigated complaints, but the trouble was that there was no evidence to convict. It was difficult to chase a trawler which took refuge close in-shore. When cases were brought before the court the Department could not dictate to the magistrate what fine he should impose. The Department was doing its best to stop Illegal fishing. It had given the authorities much anxiety but nothing effective could be done without a fast launch.